Proceedings of the Convention of Colored Citizens of the State of Minnesota program, 1869. This program was presented at the first political convention black Minnesotans held after gaining the right to vote. The celebration held on January 1, 1869 in St. Paul also marked the creation of the Sons of Freedom, the first African American civil rights group in Minnesota.

During the Civil War the Federal Government and the States purchased foreign weapons to complement domestic pieces. This Model 1809 Prussian musket is one of more than 4,500 such weapons added to the Minnesota state arsenal. The outdated Prussian muskets were used for drill training or for issue to troops far behind the front lines, and many were turned over to civilians after the war. This musket was issued to Hans Johan Johnson, a private with Company H of the 9th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry.

Balloon-frame cottage on Isle Royale used by Arthur C. and Mary Hunt Andrews and their children, including Frances Andrews, in the early twentieth century. Photographed in 2011. Used courtesy of Isle Royale National Park.